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Harford County Senator Recovering At Home
 State Senator J. Robert Hooper (R-Dist. 35) is resting at home after suffering a mild heart attack earlier this week. Hooper described the feeling as a "stabbing."
Hooper tells The Baltimore Examiner that he mistook the pain as indigestion initially.
A brief operation to open the blocked artery was performed at Union Memorial Hospital and he was back to work by Friday.
Carter Is In
 Del. Jill Carter (D-Dist. 41) has announced that she will enter the Mayor's race.
The Baltimore Sun says that Carter, whose district is Northwest Baltimore,
has been a frequent critic of police practices under Mayor Martin O'Malley.
The 43-year-old delegate, will be the fifth candidate in a crowded. City Council President Sheila Dixon, who will serve for the rest of O'Malley's term when he moves on to Annapolis, said that she intends to run for her own four year term in the fall. City Comptroller Joan Pratt said that she plans on running. Two other people, Circuit Court Clerk Frank Conway and Andrey Bundley, a former high school principal, also said that they were going to run for mayor.
City Council members Keiffer Mitchell Jr. and Kenneth Harris Sr. said they were thinking about it. But the speculation of Kweisi Mfume is still there. Mfume, who was a U.S. Senate candidate this past go around, created a committee to raise money to run for any office in the state last month.
Late Del. Arnick Honored
State officials honored the late Del. John Arnick (D-Dist.6) yesterday in Baltimore County, by dedicating a road in his honor.
The Baltimore Examiner says that Governor Robert Ehrlich (R), Transportation Secretary Robert Flanagan, along with other officials and Arnick's family was on hand in Dundalk as Rt. 157-Merritt Boulevard was dedicated in his memory.
Arnick died of Lung Cancer this past June at age 72. He was a public servant for 35 years, first being elected to the House in 1967. He served nine terms until this past April when he resigned to work on the Board of Contract Appeals. The once Chairman of the Baltimore County Delegation who was House Majority Leader in the 70s, Arnick was remembered as a sincere politician who spoke from the heart.
His widow Joanne said that the dedication was a fitting tribute. Arnick was a staunch safe roads advocate who unsuccessfully pushed for a ban on talking on a cell phone while driving.
Explaining or Begging
Far be it from me to use news from a blog. Most of them are opinion-based (except on here where the opinions are clearly marked) and many of them are slanted to one side of the spectrum. Joe Albero's Salisbury News is no exception, but over the past two weeks, there is a pattern of factually based information that is being published on this blog before many of the traditional media outlets pick it up.
With that being said, sources are telling the Delmar-based Blog that the Wicomico County Council did not seem all that happy about extending the TIF to the developers of the old Salisbury Mall before Tuesday's vote. It's also being alleged that Salisbury City Council President Mike Dunn was, through euphemisms, begging them to change their minds about not extending the TIF.
The County Council earlier this week in a party line vote, decided not to extend the Tax Increment Financing for the Old Mall, which is being developed into a mixed-use development called "The Village at Salisbury Lake."
The Daily Times has more in yesterday's paper saying that the developers are still in shock, and that the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center is in wonderment.
Sick of Dimensions
The Prince George's Delegation is getting behind a proposal being drafted by Del. Victor Ramirez (D-Dist. 47) requiring the University of Maryland Medical System to take over the Prince George's Hospital System from Dimensions Health Care. Dimensions run Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and Laurel Regional Hospital.
Ramirez tells The Laurel Leader that the bill would require the state to come up with at least $180 million to take over the county system. The $180 million is the amount that hospital officials say is needed to pay off debt and update equipment.
While people are liking the idea of the legislation, the big question is whether or not the bill is legal since UMMS and Dimensions are two private entities.
Prince George's County started taking offers ten months ago for the hospitals, a spokesman from County Executive Jack Johnson's office says that the process is "moving forward."
My OPINION: Just Plain Spinning
 Senate President Thomas Mike Miller (D) appeared on NewsChannel 8's "NewsTalk" program. The question posed to him in a nutshell was why did Governor Robert Ehrlich (R) lose despite having a high job approval rating. Miller said that Marylanders like him as a person, but not his politics. I have to disagree.
Based on a number of people that I had talked to before the election, the reason that Ehrlich lost might have been due to the fact that nothing could have gotten accomplished (i.e. slots) between a bitter Democratic-controlled General Assembly and a Moderate Republican Governor who bit the bait to get into petty partisan politics. Simply put, Marylanders didn't want to continue the two-party system under that type of contention.
The downside of it is now the General Assembly has the potential to run wild. It has been witnessed how much of a monopoly the General Assembly has and the arrogance of power it has. Two bills - The Wal-Mart Bill and The Early Voting Law - were overthrown in Federal Court.
Miller said yesterday on the early-voting bill was a way for working people to vote on a day where they will be able to if they're employer would not allow them to vote on that Tuesday. First and foremost let me remind everyone that this is America, we all have a right to vote and no one can stop us from doing it. Makes you wonder about what those at-will employment laws in the state are, but I digress.
This is where I have to agree with the editorial from this past edition of The Sunday Capital. People who want to vote make every effort that they can to vote either in person or by absentee. The 2004 election proved how people interested in the election made their voice heard.
Petty partisanship between the Governor and the General Assembly placed a Democrat back in Government House, allowing for a one-party system to rule once more. Despite what is being said by the majority party, it was not the politics of Ehrlich.
O'Malley Cherry Picking
Governor-elect Martin O'Malley (D) is once again pulling in people driven from Annapolis when Governor Robert Ehrlich (R) began to form his cabinet.
Eloise Foster will return as Budget Secretary. She served in that post during the last years of the Glendening era.
The Baltimore Sun says that this is the third time that O'Malley has brought back figures from the past. Earlier this week, John Porcari was called back as Transportation Secretary and before that Joseph C. Bryce was named the governor's chief policy aide and legislative liaison.
The Sun also says that it's rumored that Charles Fox could return as head of the Department of Natural Resources.
Eastern Shore: Delegation Vows No Sales Tax Hike
The Eastern Shore Delegation has pledged not to raise the current sales tax rate. But they are also saying that cuts or a new revenue source is needed to increase funding for new priorities.
The Daily Times says that the delegation agreed that more money needs to be directed into school construction, Chesapeake Bay and oyster restoration, statewide health care and agriculture. The challenge in that is how to do it when you have billions in budget deficits projected over the next four years.
The Eastern Shore Delegation is comprised of two senators and six delegates covering Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties.
Steele Seeking Role in 2008
 Lt. Governor Michael Steele (R) is offering his services to GOP candidates considering a White House run in 2008. Not as a running mate however, but as an adviser.
The Washington Times reporting that Steele has been in talk with the major players being mentioned incl. former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
The goal that Steele has is to offer advice on how to reach minority voters.
Van Hollen Recruited...To Recruit
 As a reward for his role in helping the Democrats regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-8th) has been tapped by soon-to-be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Effectively he is charged with protecting the majority in 2008.
More from The Washington Post.
Annapolis Will Always Be Home For The First Lady
 The Capital recently caught up with Maryland's First Lady Kendel Ehrlich. She tells the paper that when her husband conceded the election, she started making transition plans, adding that they would remain in the neighborhood for their children's school. Drew is in the second grade and younger brother Josh attends preschool.
The Ehrlich's purchased a home in Annapolis, hear Crownsville.
Dixon: "Innocent"
 Baltimore City Council President and soon-to-be interim Mayor Sheila Dixon (D) says that a lone indictment in a probe from the state proves that she is innocent, and that the investigation sullied her reputation.
The Baltimore Sun says that the probe involves a minority subcontractor who was inticed by a grand jury earlier this week on charges of theft, lying on loan documents and filing false tax returns.
The contractor, Mildred Boyer, turns out to have been the employer of Dixon's sister. The Sun reported earlier this year that Dixon was a participant in hearings and votes that benefited the contractor, without disclosing the information about her sister.
Sheila Dixon also asked the media to stop portraying her as corruptly associated with Boyer, who faces serious time.
Jessamy Raise...As Do The Eye Brows
 Baltimore City State's Attorney Pat Jessamy (D) is now the highest paid city employee. Her yearly salary thanks to her rival Mayor and Governor-elect Martin O'Malley (D) will go up nearly $83,000 to $225 thousand.
The Baltimore Sun reporting that some calling the move backhanded more than benevolent.
A relationship going back to 1988 when O'Malley was hired by Jessamy fresh from law school, it has soured over recent years. Coming to a climax in 2001, when O'Malley got off a profane laced tirade after she dropped corruption charges against a police officer.
***REMEMBER: Jessamy is one of the names being floated as the next Mayor of Baltimore, and O'Malley still has enough clout to influence the race.***
Now Playing on TV 11
 By the End of January, The Maryland Lottery will be letting itself play on WBAL-TV (Channel 11), with heavy cross-promotion on it's sister radio stations.
The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Board of Public Works approved the $2.1 million deal over continuing the $1.25 million with WJZ-TV (Channel 13) to air the nightly lottery drawings.
Lottery Director Buddy Roogow said that the deal provides a unique partnership when compared to other state lotteries. WBAL-TV General Manager Jordan Wertlieb tells WBAL Radio (1090AM) that they are happy that the proposal was well received.
WBAL-TV will provide the production and presentation of the state lottery drawings. Also, look for personalities from WBAL Radio and sister station 98Rock (WIYY 97.9FM) to be featured. WBAL radio personality Chip Franklin does ads for the lottery since the Glendening Administration.
It's safe to say that politics had no play in this, the other two stations vying for the contract was Maryland Public Television and WBFF (Channel 45) whose owners, Sinclair Broadcast Group, are known contributors to Governor Robert Ehrlich (R).
WBAL-TV will start 'playing' on January 29 after an 11 year run on WJZ-TV.
Prince George's County: Delegation Leader Undecided
 Believe it or not, the Prince George's County Delegation is still undecided after two weeks.
The Gazette says that there is a power struggle that is being caused by County Executive Jack Johnson (D), who is backing Del. Marvin Holmes (D-Dist. 23B) over longtime Del. Barbara Frush (D-Dist. 21). Frush is not only an outspoken critic of Johnson, but she was one of the many leaders in the county to back hi primary opponent, former Del. Rushern Baker (D). She also called for the resignation of Johnson's choice for Police Chief, Melvin High.
Last Week, it was reported that during a December 8 meeting of the delegation, Holmes had a one vote lead over Frush, but neither had the required twelve votes to win the role. Two members were not able to vote and it was reportedly said that they would support Frush.
Team Prince George's can postpone the vote until the beginning of the General Assembly session.
This is another page in the now divided political landscape in Prince George's. During the primary, many of the once united incumbent general assembly teams had broken up. You also had former County Executive Wayne Curry thrown into the mix by endorsing former Del. Baker over Johnson during the final weeks of the primary, along with current State's Attorney, and Johnson Predecessor, Glenn Ivey.
Lierman To Continue Leading The Democrats
Members of the Maryland Democratic Party have selected Terry Lierman for another four year term. More from WBAL (1090AM).
The Assembly 2007
 We now officially begin our coverage of The Assembly 2007. Click the link to the left to see our guide to the issues that will be discussed for the upcoming 2007 General Assembly Session.
Lawmakers Buck Editorial; Voting Options Take Priority
 On Sunday, I posted a link to an editorial from The Sunday Capital, whose editorial board says that lawmakers should forget about early voting altogether. They said that one day of voting is plenty and that those who truly cannot make it to vote, are able to get an absentee.
The Baltimore Sun reporting this morning that lawmakers are working on a constitutional amendment to allow multiple days of voting. If you recall in this year's session, the assembly passed an early voting law, which was vetoed by Governor Robert Ehrlich. Those vetoes were overridden with the three-fifths majority, only to be overridden by the courts. Last week, the Court of Appeals ruled that the state constitution only allows for one day of voting in November in the voter's home district.
The main spot of contention is the purpose. Democrats say that early voting would be convenient, while Republicans contend that it benefits Democrats since they outnumber GOP voters 2-to-1.
The Sun also says that lawmakers will also look at alleged security flaws in the infamous Diebold voting machines.
More On Roadblock: Dunn: "I'm Just Shocked."
 More now on the vote from The Wicomico County Council in favor of not extending the TIF, or Tax Increment Financing for developers of the old Salisbury Mall.
The Daily Times says that the vote, the first major move of the newly elected council, severs the county's ties from the project, which will turn the 80-acre site into a mixed use residential and commercial spot.
The vote was along party lines with the Republican majority denouncing the extension, saying that the county does not have a plan to regulate the agreement and that taxpayers should not pay for it.
Salisbury City Council President Mike Dunn tells the paper "I'm just shocked." Last Week, the majority of the city council voted in favor of a three year TIF extension. As the Village of Salisbury Lake project lies in an unforeseen future, City officials are hoping that developers to move forward with that.
O'Malley Names Transportation Chief
Governor-elect Martin O'Malley (D) has named a familiar face to be Transportation Secretary.
The Gazette says that John Porcari ask been asked to replace Robert Flanagan when the O'Malley era begins.
Porcari served in the same post under Governor Parris Glendening (D). He will oversee the $2.4 billion Inter-county Connector project as well as the Motor Vehicle Administration, which O'Malley has given him the charge of improving services.
Porcari has been vice president for administrative affairs at the University of Maryland College Park since 2003. The Cheverly resident is the second high-ranking Glendening official to be drafted by Team O'Malley.
Read His Lips...
Governor-elect Martin O'Malley (D) says that despite the looming budget deficit, people in the free state will not have to pay any new taxes.
The Associated Press (via The Daily Times) reporting that a deficit is not expected for O'Malley's first year in office, although one is expected to happen down the road.
Wicomico County Council Builds Roadblock For Old Mall
In a 4-3 decision, the Wicomico County Council has rejected a TIF extension for the developers of the Old Salisbury Mall. This is despite the fact that the Salisbury City Council approved an extension through 2009.
One of the city council members that approved the extension, City Council President Mike Dunn urged the council to approve the TIF according to the Salisbury News. The blog also said that city Councilwoman Debbie Campbell urged the county to reject the TIF extension, stating that she was speaking as a taxpayer.
The Daily Times says that the "No" vote took developers of the old mall and Salisbury city officials by surprised.
More coverage from WBOC (Channel 16) and WMDT (Channel 47).
Stumper Broght Down By Piece Of Plastic
An Anne Arundel County Man who was stumping for State's Attorney candidate Dave Fischer (R) will be prosecuted by the office of the candidate he was trying to help unseat.
The Capital reporting that Gregory Florentino of Pasadena is accused of taking the bank card of Tim Reyburn, who was the campaign treasurer of County Councilman Jamie Benoit (D).
The alleged incident happened on election day in Laurel at the Russett Green Community Association building, while the two worked the polls.
Fischer has denied that Florentino worked for him, adding that it's understandable why he wanted Weatherbees out. Florentino is a registered Democrat who stood on trial for manslaughter for the death of Noah Jamahl Jones in 2004, a case that Weathersbee prosecuted.
O'Malley Facing Pop Quiz/Reality Check
 Will Governor-elect Martin O'Malley face the same fate as two of his predeccessors, William Donald Schaefer and Parris Glendening? According to history, more than likely yes.
The Baltimore Sun says that O'Malley, like Schaefer and Glendening was a local government executive who had the support system of their respective councils. But when they made the transition to leading state government, the scene in naptown smacked them in the face.
Schaefer saw his proposals torched in his first year, Glendening counted his blessings getting some of his appointments through during the first tour of his governorship. And we all saw what happened to Governor Robert Ehrlich these past four years.
GOP Leader Chosen In Senate
 Senate Republicans have chosen David Brinkley (District 4) as their leader.
WBAL (1090AM) reporting that the Senator from Frederick vowed that the GOP will still be a force for the next four years, despite losing the Governor's mansion.
Brinkley is considered a moderate, who was picked over the other Senator who wanted the job in Andrew Harris (District 7).
Republicans in the House of Delegates are due to pick a new leader this week after George Edwards (District 1A) won a Senate seat this past November.
Leopold Remains Secured By Police Department
 Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold (R) has decided to keep the $125,000 per year security detail provided by the Anne Arundel Police Department. The same type of detail used during the eight year administration of Janet Owens (D) that drew criticism.
The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the move raises questions of how much security is needed for a local government leader.
Former executive John Gary (R) said that it's a different atmosphere in the post-9/11 world and that dangers would have to be recognized whether we want to or not. Leopold is protected by members of the Intelligence Unit, which looks at hate crimes and gang activity.
Protest Law Is Vulnerable
 Could the law that puts restrictions on protesting at military funerals face a federal court challenge? A legal scholar in Baltimore says that it is.
University of Baltimore law professor Byron Warnken tells WBAL (1090AM) that courts generally has conditions on restricting protests, adding that such laws must apply to everyone.
The law targets the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, which uses military funerals to protest homosexuality.
Warnken was a guest this past Saturday on "The Bruce Elliot Show." Audio is posted on wbal.com.
A 'Capital' Look Back At Shaefer
 This morning's edition of The Sunday Capital has a front page article on Comptroller William Donald Schaefer (D) looking back at five decades of Mr. Baltimore.
In the article it reported that Schaefer at a recent meeting of the Board of Public Works praised the fact the Mr. Ehrlich had children. The 85-year-old has never been married, not has he had any children. When he was Governor, his long-time companion, the late Hilda Mae Snoops, took up residence with him in the Government House, causing quite a stir.
My OPINION: Johnson's Troubles Not Curry's Fault
As published in The Gazette on December 14, 2006:
I, a black resident in Northern Prince George's County, find it shocking that the National Black Church Initiative sent the letter it did to The Gazette on Nov. 30. They believed former County Executive Wayne Curry was trying to undermine the effectiveness of current County Executive Jack Johnson administration by what they call a malicious attempt to stain his moral character. The letter claimed that Curry called out Johnson's honesty and integrity without facts.
With all due respect to the ministers, I believe that they should tell Johnson about Matthew 7:1,"Judge not, that ye be not judged." I feel that is one of many areas that he has fallen short, especially during this past election. Why did we not see a debate between Johnson and former Del. Rushern Baker? Because Johnson did not feel that Baker was worthy of a debate. One might argue Johnson had a right to refuse a debate, but my belief of the Bible says otherwise.
Johnson has judged that many apartment complexes are crime bastions. I am offended because I live in an apartment and my complex is not a bastion of crime. And lest we forget, the National Harbor concept was a Curry concept. But you know how that goes, the incumbent gets credit for some of his predecessors' work
Curry's actions would not discourage open debate on issues if there were such a thing, especially if you take into account events leading up to the primary. I also dare say that the race card need not apply.
Since I am a county resident, I cannot say I am proud Johnson is my leader And if anyone was paying attention to the primary numbers from September, the official numbers show that Johnson only had 52 percent of the vote, which is not exactly a vote of confidence.
African Americans should stand up for candidates that improve their neighborhoods not simply because they are black and they go to church. Who cares if they are black or white, as long as my neighborhood is taken care of. We need to get into the mode of picking leaders who do a good job. Government should not be based on social promotion.
Their OPINION: Forget About Early Voting
I have to agree with the editorial board of The Capital, just like the Wal-Mart Bill that was killed in court, it's best to assume that the early voting law will be looked at as far as bringing it back.
They feel that the priority should be re-examined...or better yet, left alone. They add that the state has been getting by with a single day to vote for years and those who truly cannot make it to the polls can get an absentee ballot.
Ulman Stamping Howard County
 Howard County Executive Ken Ulman (D) is making sure his signature is left on the Howard County Government. Making a number of moves involving department heads are being noticed, but there are a some moves that are not so obvious.
The Baltimore Sun says that Ulman's county issued vehicle is a Ford Escape Hybrid, symbolic of his pledge to the environment.
Ulman's more notable (and noticeable) move was the replacement of longtime housing director Leonard Vaughn.
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